Licensing and Administrative Law

The Administrative Law Division operates at the heart of state government, protecting the public interest by providing legal services to all levels of state government from the highest elected officials to the employees of dozens of the largest and smallest state agencies.

General Counsel: As general counsel to state officials and agencies, the division provides legal guidance on public records, open meetings, administrative procedures, employment law, public finance, contracts and grants, state purchasing, professional and occupational licensing, state and federal laws, pending legislation, and rulemaking. Given the diversity of the division’s agency clients, legal advice directly impacts Iowan’s health, safety, and financial security on matters including public health, education, economic development, financial institutions, programs and health facilities for older Iowans, insurance, law enforcement, emergency management, college student loans, Iowa’s courts, city annexation, and the regulation of alcohol, lottery games, casinos, and horse racing.

Litigation: The division defends state officials and agencies in state and federal trial and appellate courts on a broad array of matters including constitutional challenges to state laws, employment and discrimination disputes, civil rights actions, contract and construction claims, foreclosure proceedings, and judicial review of agency decisions.

Prosecution: The division protects the public interest by prosecuting licensed professionals accused of incompetent or unethical actions, such as physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, CPAs, engineers, appraisers, plumbers, social workers, emergency medical technicians, and teachers. The division also protects Iowans by prosecuting insurance, securities, and preneed funeral frauds, and intervening to prevent the improper diversion of charitable trust assets.